Christopher Krolak - Mot, Lssbb Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, MN, US

• Steered a global team driving software reliability, safety, and supplier quality for Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) medical devices.
• Ensured compliance with rigorous regulatory standards (IEC 62304, IEC 82304, IEC60601, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEEE 1633) for instrumentation, mobile, tablet, and cloud-based software applications.
• Scaled a global team by 20% to support increased software development activity.
• Pioneered risk management strategies for emerging technologies: AI/ML, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), cloud, and mobile.
• Overhauled supplier quality assurance processes for Software of Unknown Provenance (SOUP) components.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led a multinational team of software engineers and test development engineers, delivering critical reliability test software and hardware for HDD and SSD products.
• Implemented Agile/Scrum and test-driven development methodologies, accelerating software delivery 4x and enhancing software quality.
• Successfully migrated internal reliability test platforms to 64-bit architecture, future-proofing our testing capabilities.
• Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams (hardware, firmware, product core, factory support, and external vendors) to streamline product development and reduce time-to-market.
• Pioneered the integration of key OEM test hardware, reducing qualification time by 3 months and addressing critical test capability gaps.
• Championed technology advancements, including ISO 20243 Product Security Trust certification, to enhance product security and mitigate risks.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led a global team of software engineers and test development engineers, delivering critical reliability test software and hardware for HDD and SSD products.
• Successfully migrated reliability test platforms to a common architecture, streamlining processes and overcoming significant resistance to change.
• Built and developed high-performing test development teams from the ground up, becoming a center of excellence within 2 years.
• Implemented Agile/Scrum methodologies, accelerating software delivery and enhancing software quality.
• Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to optimize product development and reduce time-to-market.
• Contributed to technical initiatives, including algorithm design, software development, and code validation.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led a high-performing team of engineers and technicians, responsible for developing and maintaining cutting-edge test technology for HAMR head-level dynamic performance spinstand testers.
• Successfully implemented a new R&D test process, increasing test capacity by 10x and accelerating product development.
• Optimized component reliability test processes, increasing capacity by 5x and improving product quality.
• Managed a $5M capital budget, ensuring the availability of state-of-the-art test equipment.
• Provided critical system expertise and technical leadership, mentoring and training teams across the organization.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and solve complex technical challenges.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led a high-performing team of engineers and technicians, developing and implementing cutting-edge test technology for next-generation hard disk drive components.
• Successfully transferred next-generation test technology to Far East manufacturing, accelerating product time-to-market.
• Developed and implemented innovative recording head performance and reliability test algorithms, enhancing product quality and reducing time-to-market.
• Managed the qualification and release of new spinstand test technology, ensuring product reliability and performance.
• Provided technical leadership and mentorship, driving innovation and upskilling team members.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led multiple Six Sigma projects, driving significant process improvements and cost savings in the recording head manufacturing process.
• Reduced partial interconnect failures by 33% in the R&D environment, enhancing data quality and minimizing financial losses.
• Increased the useful life of test media by 3x, improving R&D efficiency and accelerating product development.
• Enabled the adoption of new MEMS-based production tooling through a comprehensive process design project.
• Mentored and trained engineers in Six Sigma methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Fremont, CA, US

• Led a team of 10+ technicians, ensuring the reliable operation of critical test equipment in a class 100 clean room environment.
• Developed and implemented efficient maintenance processes, minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment uptime.
• Provided expert troubleshooting and technical support, resolving complex equipment issues and accelerating product development.
• Trained and mentored technicians, upgrading their skills and improving overall team performance.
• Pioneered automation solutions for new product development, streamlining processes and reducing time-to-market.

Fremont, CA, US

• Successfully launched and managed 5 enterprise hard disk drive products, driving them from inception to end-of-life.
• Led the seamless transfer of 5 products from U.S. to Far East manufacturing, providing critical technical support and expertise.
• Significantly improved product assembly and test yields from 30% to +95%, reducing costs and enhancing product quality.
• Developed innovative yield analysis methods, optimizing manufacturing processes and accelerating time-to-market.

Minneapolis, MN, US

• Designed and implemented automated assembly and test equipment, driving significant production cost savings.
• Reverse engineered competitor products to gain competitive insights and inform product development.
• Developed and tested prototypes for next-generation instrumentation, contributing to future product innovation.
• Supported manufacturing operations, identifying and implementing process improvements

Minneapolis, MN, US

• Contributed to the development of innovative blood flow monitoring technologies.
• Developed and maintained critical test plans and product documentation.
• Utilized C++ programming skills to enhance data acquisition systems.
• Gained valuable experience in a regulated medical device environment.

Ms-Mot, Management Of Technology

Bsee, Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering